Inovonics Celebrates 30 Years of Ben Barber

“Our company has always had a close-knit, family atmosphere,” said Wood, “but Ben has brought a new level of discipline and professionalism to its management that has really paid off in sales and corporate growth.”

Barber came to Inovonics in 1988, not long after the company’s move from Campbell to the west side of Santa Cruz. Fresh from a missionary assignment at a Christian radio station in Alaska, Barber rapidly became a key figure in the development of new products and manufacturing methods at Inovonics, Wood said. This year marks Barber’s 30-year anniversary with the company, and the company salutes him .

Barber came to Inovonics in 1988, not long after the company’s move from Campbell to the west side of Santa Cruz. Fresh from a missionary assignment at a Christian radio station in Alaska, Barber rapidly became a key figure in the development of new products and manufacturing methods at Inovonics, Wood said.

Barber's experience in broadcasting, coupled with a lifetime interest and formal education in electronics, made him a valuable asset to the company, according to Wood.

It was Barber’s decision to move the company to the location in Felton in 2009, according to Wood. The company purchased the property on Highway 9 and made extensive upgrades to the 1951 building.

In his capacity as CEO, Barber has brought others on board in technical, administrative and production positions, according to Inovonics. At present the company employs a full-time staff of about a dozen, plus a few part-time helpers, many of whom are also San Lorenzo Valley residents.